Kundratek had 26 points in 41 games this season with the Caps' American Hockey League affiliate, the Hershey Bears. He also provides a right-hand shot, something Oates felt his team needed, and also allows him to not have to use John Erskine or Jeff Schultz on their off side.

"It’s more for balance and the game is so fast, you put a guy in the wrong position and sometimes they can’t execute," Oates told the Washington Post.

Kundratek, a 23-year-old Czech Republic native, will be paired at even strength with fellow Czech Roman Hamrlik, 38.

"Obviously he really respects [Hamrlik]," Oates said. "Hamr can slow him down teach him a little bit and hopefully guide him through some situations."

Crabb will play on the fourth line, and Oates said he also could see time on the penalty kill.

He's only 17 but he can see the ice so well and he moves the puck and goes to the open ice all the time, so I just think he's a player that is ready to play in the NHL. I'm really looking forward to coaching someone like this.

— U.S. National Junior Team coach Ron Wilson on Auston Matthews, the projected No. 1 pick of the 2016 NHL Draft